Hickory Grove Conservation Area, Cary, IL

Hickory Grove Conservation Area provides Cary residents with direct access to 184 acres of preserved open space, including two lakes that support seasonal fishing and non-motorized boating. The site features a 3.6-mile multi-use trail system that accommodates hiking, jogging, and bicycling, with segments that pass through oak-hickory woodland, restored prairie, and shoreline edges. Picnic shelters, restrooms, and a playground are clustered near the main parking area on Route 14, while a smaller lot on Klasen Road offers quieter entry to the northern fields. The conservation area lies less than two miles from downtown Cary’s Metra station and the Route 14 commercial corridor, allowing residents to reach shops, restaurants, and commuter service within a short drive or, for some neighborhoods, a bike ride. Seasonal programs run by the McHenry County Conservation District—ranging from bird-count walks to shoreline clean-ups—provide additional opportunities for structured outdoor activity without leaving town limits.

Canoeing Cross-Country Skiing Fishing Hiking Paths Horseback Riding Kayaking Picnic Area